League of the Sacred Heart hands out annual awards

Seven individuals were honored for exemplifying Catholic faith and values.

A special celebration: The League of the Sacred Heart Police, Fire and Peace Officers Association recently honored seven individuals during its 77th annual communion Mass and brunch.

The League of the Sacred Heart Police, Fire and Peace Officers Association recently held its 77th annual communion Mass and brunch.

The Mass was celebrated at Maternity BVM by the parish pastor, the Rev. Paul S. Quinter. The Knights of Columbus attended. The brunch and awards ceremony followed at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5.

The guest speaker was state Rep. Martina White, who talked about her Catholic faith and presented House citations to the awardees.

City Councilman Al Taubenberger also presented citations to the awardees.

The master of ceremonies was Deacon Patrick Diamond, a retired police officer. He and Bernie Mack, the League’s president, handed out the awards, given to men and women who exemplify the Catholic faith and upbringing.

The St. John Neumann Award was presented to state Rep. Mike Driscoll.

The St. Katharine Drexel Award was given to Sister Pat Downs and Sister Donna, along with the rest of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, which was founded by St. Katharine Drexel.

The St. Michael Award went to to Steven J. Weiler, vice president of the local FOP, for raising money for the union’s survivors fund.

The St. Florian Award was presented to Tom Kane, chairman of the trustees for International Association of Fire Fighters and Paramedics Local 22.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on former Police Commissioner Joseph Francis Xavier O’Neill, a faithful member of the League of the Sacred Heart.

The Monsignor James Joseph Howard, Spiritual Director of the League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Award was presented posthumously to Thomas “Fish” Bowdren for devotion to his church, community and country. The award was accepted by his wife, Patricia. ••